JAMB Disburses ₦1.57 Billion to CBT Centres for 2026 UTME Registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the disbursement of a substantial sum of ₦1,570,671,200 to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria. This payment covers the registration charges for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking a significant financial transaction in the nation's educational sector.
Details of the Payment System
According to Fabian Benjamin, the Board's Public Communication Advisor, these payments were made to CBT centres that actively participated in the 2026 UTME registration exercise. The amount represents the ₦700 registration charge along with the ePIN registration fee paid by candidates during the registration process. JAMB has implemented a system where these funds are remitted directly to accredited CBT centres on a weekly basis, ensuring timely compensation for their services.
Benjamin explained that this new payment mechanism was specifically designed to protect candidates from exploitation and to eliminate the need for multiple payments at various stages of the registration process. Under this system, candidates who purchase the UTME ePIN are not required to make separate payments at CBT centres, granting them the freedom to register at any accredited centre of their choice without being restricted to specific locations.
Impact on Registration Process
The arrangement has reportedly led to a significant reduction in cases of unauthorised charges by some CBT centres. Additionally, it has strengthened the adoption of a cashless registration process, particularly among privately owned CBT facilities. This move aligns with JAMB's broader efforts to streamline examination procedures and enhance transparency in Nigeria's tertiary education admission system.
The disclosure was made in JAMB's latest bulletin ahead of the UTME examinations scheduled for April 16 to April 25, 2026. This announcement comes amidst ongoing efforts by the examination body to address various challenges in the registration process, including recent investigations into syndicates using artificial intelligence to bypass registration requirements.
Broader Context and Clarifications
JAMB has also taken steps to clarify misinformation regarding registration fees for the 2026 UTME. The board explained the current fee structure without indicating any recent changes or increases since 2019, warning candidates and parents to be wary of fraudulent agents and to rely only on official announcements for accurate information.
This financial disbursement represents a crucial aspect of JAMB's operational strategy for the 2026 UTME, ensuring that CBT centres are adequately compensated while maintaining integrity in the registration process. The board continues to emphasize its commitment to providing a fair and accessible examination system for all Nigerian students seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
